Saturday, April 14, 2012

Defining Badass

If I’m going to examine female characters for their worthiness
to be included in my “Badass Female Character Compendium”, I think I need to
set forth some parameters. What qualifies them as badass? Let us define, shall
we. (This is of course my own definition and should be used with caution out
there in the real world… just a little disclaimer.)

To be a female badass she must have:

Tons of attitude: She can be snarky, bitchily sarcastic or
genuinely humorous. She exudes confidence most likely in her job or
occupation/calling. She may even be a little cocky, but not arrogantly so.
Above all, she is steeped in independence. She may need or rely on the people
around her, but when it comes down to brass tax, she is totally capable of
doing it all by herself. She is no shrinking wallflower to be taken care of by
anyone.

Maj. Sam Carter, Stargate: SG1

Tote a gun: Yep, she knows about firearms, can shoot ‘em,
disassemble 'em, and maybe even modify 'em. This classification can reach to
a variety of weapons depending on genre. She knows how to wield one and isn’t
afraid to use it.

Agent Sarah Walker, Chuck

Physicality: She is unafraid to get physical with anyone and
I’m not talking about sex… I’m talking about fists and head butting. She is
skilled in combat, and if not, she has a natural instinct for
self-preservation. Bad guys can come at her and she will fight to the death to
break free or save a life.

An honor code: She will always fight for what is right.
Whether it is saving her planet from invaders and extinction, or railing
against corruption and crime, she stands by her morals and her code of justice.
She may do bad things, but it is always with the intentions to do Good. She
will fight and sacrifice for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Agent Dana Scully, The X-Files

Aptitude: She will have copious amounts of brains. She is
intelligent, knowledgeable, and educated. Her skill set is a benefit to
her cause. Her logic, strategies and wisdom are valuable tools in her arsenal
and utilized frequently.

Imperfections: She will have flaws and vulnerabilities. No
woman is perfect. There will be parts of her she may try to hide, ignore or
fight against. They may be a weakness
and a possible burden, but she doesn’t allow it to ruin or rule her life. She
struggles, but she perseveres. Her vulnerabilities make her stronger and more
human.

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider

Sex appeal: Yes. I know. Cliché and misogynistic. I should
turn in my own badass card, but then again the point of being a badass is that
I don’t give a shit. This is what I believe. A woman doesn’t have to beautiful
to be a badass but of course, let’s be real – it doesn’t hurt. Beautiful women
have proliferated the action industry, mostly because of the 18-40 male
demographic. But I have to admit, if I could sport a pair of leather pants and
thigh high boots or kick some ass in a pair of 6 inch Manolo Blanhiks, (that is
if I could stand in them for more than ten minutes), I so would! If my ass was
tight and I could haul a RPG on my back, or run around in a metal bustier and a
pair of angel wings, I’d be all over that in a heartbeat. Whether it's in a combat uniform or a tight little outfit... I’m not gonna lie.
It’s hot. Does it always have to come in that package? No. But who doesn’t want
to feel hot and sexy and capable at
the same time? It’s part of fantasy and fiction is fantasy.

Mary and Marshall, In Plain Sight

Counterpart: Last but not least, she needs a partner. This partner
could be romantic or a best friend. Someone to fight the good fight with,
someone who has her back – even if it’s not at first, and someone who supports
her to the bitter end. He or she becomes the yin to her yang, the peas to her
carrots and the anchor or buoy to her soul. They will ground her, guide her and
hold a mirror to her when she needs it most whether she likes it or not. They
will be her equal in intelligence and inner strength and fight along the same
fundamental principles of her goal. They may be in opposition with her in
ideology at times but when their relationship is strong, they will come
together on common ground. He, or she, will be her soul mate. A badass
character without this integral counterpart may be in a constant search for
meaning and will be out of balance until she finds that person.

This is the lens that I look through when defining a
badass woman. Its scope can be broad or it can
focus down to the minutest details of what makes a powerful woman tick. I like this definition and it suits the
fictitious women I’ve admired for a lifetime. It may not describe or even fit
all female characters, that is for certain, but it works within the confines of
my examination. I’m celebrating those women in fiction who kick ass and take
names.

About Me

Currently, I'm a high school digital art teacher. It is one of those love/hate things that pays the bills and sometimes makes me cry in the good way. I know that I've made a difference in kids' lives. One day, I will be a published writer, typing away on a my laptop as I sit on a beach house veranda with my dog at my feet and my husband making pina coladas in the kitchen.